Sub-device Status Signal for I2C Read Data Readiness
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems where a main device reads data from a sub-device using I2C communications, issues arise when the sub-device sends data before it is fully prepared, leading to erroneous data reading. Existing solutions, such as waiting for a maximum idle time or using clock stretching, increase communication overhead and time.
Innovation Solution
The communication system includes a sub-device with a receiver, status signal transmitter, read memory, and status setting unit, and a main device with a transmitter, status signal receiver, and controller. The sub-device sets a status signal to indicate data readiness, allowing the main device to re-transmit the read command until the data is prepared, thereby avoiding erroneous data reading without relying on clock stretching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the main device waits for a maximum idle time to ensure data preparation, then data reading reliability is improved, but communication time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-device provides feedback to the main device through a status signal that indicates whether data is ready to be read. This feedback mechanism allows the main device to immediately know when data is available, eliminating the need to wait for maximum idle time while ensuring data reading reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-device prepares data in advance and sets the status signal to indicate readiness before the main device needs to read. This preliminary action allows the main device to read data immediately when needed without waiting, reducing communication time while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If clock stretching is used to optimize standby time, then communication efficiency is improved, but device compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A status signal acts as an intermediary between the sub-device and main device, conveying data readiness information without requiring clock stretching. This intermediary mechanism achieves communication efficiency while maintaining compatibility with devices that do not support clock stretching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical clock stretching mechanism with a signal-based status indication system. This substitution eliminates the need for clock stretching functionality while achieving the same goal of optimizing communication efficiency, thereby improving device compatibility.
3Loss of time
If the main device reads data immediately without waiting, then communication time is reduced, but data accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The status signal provides real-time feedback to the main device about data readiness. This feedback enables the main device to read data immediately when the status indicates readiness, reducing communication time while ensuring data accuracy by only reading when data is fully prepared.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a main device, a sub-device and a communication system. The sub-device includes a receiver, a status signal transmitter, a read memory, and a status setting unit. The receiver is configured to receive a read command from the main device. The status signal transmitter is configured to transmit a status signal to the main device. The status setting unit is configured to determine whether a read data has been prepared in the read memory. When the read data has been prepared in the read memory, the status signal is set to a first state. When the read data has not been prepared in the read memory, the status signal is set to a second state.